2.3 Fukuyama and Tomonoura (December 18th)#

On December 18th, we visited Tomonoura, an ancient fishing port located on the southern edge of Fukuyama City. The area preserves a wealth of architecture from the Edo period, possessing a unique and nostalgic charm.

Stepping out of Fukuyama Station, a poster immediately caught my eye, reminding me that this city is also a heavyweight industrial hub. The brand “goot” might not ring a bell for the general public, but among the tech community and DIY enthusiasts, it is a renowned “luxury label”—a leading manufacturer of soldering irons and welding tools. While it didn’t offer the raw, visceral impact of Tokuyama’s factory pipelines, standing in the home base of this brand felt like a different kind of “pilgrimage” for a tech geek like me.

The structure of Fukuyama Station is quite unique: the South Exit leads to the bus terminal, while the North Exit sits right next to Fukuyama Castle. My original plan was to head straight for the fishing port, but I was captivated by the imposing presence of the castle so close by. I couldn’t resist taking a quick detour to snap a few photos, thinking I would have plenty of time to admire it properly upon my return. With that thought, I hurried onto the bus.

As it turned out, Tomonoura’s cultural depth far exceeded my expectations. We lost ourselves in the winding alleyways, and before we knew it, it was past 4:00 PM. Then, we found ourselves further delayed, captivated by the lingering glow of the sunset over the harbor.

By the time we returned to Fukuyama Station, the clock was nearing 6:00 PM, and the sky was completely dark. My wife joked, “It’s pitch black now; so much for photographing Fukuyama Castle.” At that moment, I simply felt that we should leave things to fate.

Little did I know, Fukuyama Castle under the veil of night, illuminated by lights, was even more dazzling than in the day, possessing a distinct charm all its own.